Linear Pneumatic Actuator Performance
- Our L series actuator is perfect for control valves. With smooth operation from speeds as slow as .012 inches per second to as fast as 12 inches in less than a second.
- Our HDL series actuator is ideal for on/off applications.
- For anti-surge applications and other high speed applications, a Cushion Design is incorporated inside the piston cylinder assembly. This design differs from standard hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder cushions in that it utilizes a stationary plate instead of modifying the cylinder head. This allows for much longer cushion length than other designs. The length of the cushioned portion of the stroke can be easily changed during design by simply lengthening the cylinder, the plate mounts, and the snubber on the piston rod.
- We also use poppet valves to allow the cylinder to accelerate out of the cushion quickly. In other designs this is accomplished with small ball check valves that cannot flow near this volume of air thereby slowing the beginning of the stroke.
- The adaptable nature of our design allows you to automate valves in place without shutting the plant down.
- Our pneumatic actuators can accommodate a broad spectrum of valve applications from very high to very low thrust requirements.
If your application or operation uses air as its source of power, you may want to consider pneumatic actuators. These actuators use compressed air to generate energy. The piston actuator style generates linear force via air on the piston.
The Two Types of Pneumatic Linear Actuators Offered by ATI are Spring Return Actuators and Double Acting Actuators
The Pneumatic Linear Spring Return Actuator
The spring return actuator employs a spring return configuration that uses air or liquid supplied to one side of the piston. In this scenario, the energy required to actuate the valve comes from a spring on the opposite side of the piston. The energy source, which can be air or liquid, is used to open and close the valve while the spring is used to create the motion.
The standard specifications for the Spring Return Actuator are as follows:
Bore size: 4” through 44”
Stroke: 1” through 22”
Maximum working pressure: 150 psi
Static pressure test: 225 psi
Thrust: 500 lbs to 50,000 lbs
Temperature Range: Standard -40º F to 200º F (Low Temp -65º F to 200º F and High Temp -20º F to 400º F)
These actuators can also be easily customized and fine-tuned by, for example, adjusting air pressure, altering the valving, and/or increasing the bore size.
The Pneumatic Linear Double Acting Actuator
The double acting actuator is configured so that the air or liquid, used as the power source, is on both sides of the piston. Movement to actuate the valve, including opening and closing it, is achieved with the use of one side being set at a higher pressure.
The standard specifications for the Doubling Acting Actuator are as follows:
Bore size: 4” through 44”
Stroke: 1” through 22”
Maximum working pressure: 150 psi
Static pressure test: 225 psi
Thrust: 500 lbs to 50,000 lbs
Temperature Range: Standard -40º F to 200º F (Low Temp -65º F to 200º F and High Temp -20º F to 400º F)
Though the above specifications are standard, there is availability for larger bore sizes, longer strokes, and higher pressures.
Pneumatic actuator Relevancy in Specific Industries & Applications
Pneumatic linear actuators are considered a mature technology, and that means the price is relatively cheaper than other actuators and may continue to decline. Further, benefits include their reliability, which is higher than their electric counterparts. There is also a wide assortment in size and actuation times so customization is made efficient.
Because of these and other benefits, a pneumatic valve actuator and piston actuators are desirable in most industries and are becoming desired in other industries not mentioned above, like the semiconductor and automotive industries.
Get the Pneumatic Linear Actuator Designed for Your Industry
If you are in the market for a robust pressure actuator, then the pneumatic linear actuators are an excellent option for your operations or applications. We can help you understand what you are getting and help you make sure you get what’s right for your specifications.
